September 2004

Volume 24 | Number 3

Special Theme: Highlights of the Meeting

Reflections from the Program ChairJeremiah L. Putnam

This inspiring message was written after the 2004 NAAHP meeting held in Washington, D.C. NAAHP members may want to check it from time to time to gain renewed energy. Dr. Putnam addresses the topics covered at the 2004 meeting and describes his vision of a vibrant, diverse and active association. He states that we must find ways to be inclusive, both within the association and as advisors on our campuses. “Our mantra must be that we are stronger as an association when we achieve unity through diversity.”

Leadership WorkshopHugo C. Lane, D.Sc.

This article summarizes problems encountered in efforts to identify and involve a changing cadre of leaders for the pre-health advisor associations at the national and regional levels. Workshop topics and proposed solutions are presented in an easily accessible, bulleted format. Three discussion points are covered: finding good leaders; matching advisors to the leadership position; and, holding on to good leaders.

How to Listen So Students Will Talk, and Talk So Students Will Listen: A Few Dozen Suggestions to Improve the Communication Climate of the Advising SessionCharles V. Roberts, Ph.D.

On average people spend 42% of their day listening. For college students, however, the time is much greater, with 55-85% of the day spent listening. Understanding more about what listening is and how people listen can help the advisor structure communication during an advising appointment so critical information isn’t lost or misconstrued. “The key to increased listening effectiveness is awareness.” The author offers 24 suggestions for actions advisors can take. These include: re-arranging the office, controlling eye contact, timing a message and preparing the listener for the message.

Diversity in Medical Education: Way Beyond RaceGabriel Garcia, M.D.

In the opening paragraph of this article Dr. Garcia states, “It is one of our greatest challenges to serve all members of our society fully.” He names three underserved constituencies — racial and ethnic minorities, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender), and field workers — and articulates reasons for their inadequate access to health care. Dr. Garcia concludes that we must act to bring more members of underserved groups into the medical profession and structure education to graduate culturally aware practitioners.

This article summarizes a presentation by Dr. Anderson, and the dialogue from an ensuing panel discussion. The purpose of MD/PhD training is reviewed. In the subsection titled, “How Is MD/PhD Training Structured,” the authors point out that the “educational goals and modes of learning are different for medial school and graduate school.” In order to allow an individual the opportunity to attain tenure before becoming, as the authors write, “eligible for membership in AARP, MD/PhD programs seek to eliminate overlap and create a unified curriculum.” MD/PhD programs look for applicants who have a passion and aptitude for research. Characteristics of competitive applicants are outlined and web site addresses are provided.

Although attempting to give good advice when a student asks about attending an international medical school (IMS), the authors point out that the number of foreign medical schools North American students regularly apply is actually less than 20. A set of questions is provided that students can use as a guide for an honest assessment of their motivation and other personal qualities, as well as knowledge about the schools they are considering. Additionally, the authors offer a set of questions and suggestions that advisors can use to evaluate foreign schools.

A Summer Reading Program to Enhance Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension ScoresDebra Kirchhof-Glazier

University Illinois and Dartmouth College: Connecting through NAAHPUrsula Olender

The University of Michigan Health Sciences Scholars Program (HSSP) is “a diverse living-learning community that welcomes students who are thinking about majoring in a health sciences field…” The author lists program highlights which include facilitating the transition from high school to college, providing individualized support, and enhancing knowledge of careers in health care. Further details are provided on the Student Community, Faculty Involvement and Pre-Health Advising.

Health Career Exploration in a Diverse EnvironmentJoyce. E. Sutton, M.A.

The Research Associates Program at St. Vincent's Medical Center: A Potential for Win-Win-Win-WinKeith Bradley, M.D., FACEP